FG examines N1trn Coastal road design

By Chris Ochayi
ABUJA—THE Federal Government, yesterday, set up a technical committee to conduct a detailed analysis of the design for the construction of N1 trillion coastal road in the Niger Delta region.

The coastal road will traverse all the states in the region, from Calabar to Lagos.
Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, who set up the committee in Abuja, following presentation of the design by Pearl Consultants, a firm handling the design, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the construction of the road.

Pearl Consultants had been engaged over the years by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for the design of the road.

The high powered committee was headed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Yahaya Abdullahi, with President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Registrar of COREN, representative of Pearl Consultants, Director of Works, Ministry of Works, Director of Infrastructure in the Ministry, among others as members.

The Committee was charged with conducting a detailed analysis of the design as produced by Pearl Consultants and to make appropriate recommendations to the Ministry.

Orubebe observed that there might have been a mix up initially on whose responsibility it was to construct the Niger Delta coastal road, adding, however, that the late President Yar’Adua, in his counsel directed the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to handle the construction of the road as well as other interstate roads in the region.

He said: “Because of the lacuna, I had to invite the consultant handling the project, Registrar of COREN, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, due to the real engineering engagement required because of the terrain of the Niger Delta.”

The Minister said the meeting was convened at the instance of the President.

Importance of  coastal roads

Reiterating the importance of the Niger Delta coastal roads, Elder Orubebe said that when completed it would not only enhance the economic well being of the troubled region, but would  also aid the amnesty programme by creating jobs for several youths of the region.

He said the youths could be gainfully engaged as unskilled and skilled labour force as a way of disengaging them from unbecoming agitations.

While expressing how valuable the project was to Mr President, Orubebe noted that with all hands on deck, the construction of the roads, no matter the challenges was an achievable venture. He said the Ministry had executed an assignment of such magnitude in the past, and as such would not be afraid to attain such lofty height with the coastal road network.

Those at the event included Minister of State, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Hon. Samuel Ode, representative of NDDC, president of Nigerian Society of Engineers, Registrar of COREN, and Pearl Consultants which was led by Engr. Mayne David West, as well as other key stakeholders.